Lalitpur, July 5: The Editors' Society Nepal on Saturday organised a heritage walk in the historic Devichaur area of Ward 7, Godawari Municipality, Lalitpur, to promote heritage conservation, preserve cultural identity and raise public awareness about local heritage.
Godawari Mayor Gajendra Maharjan attended the event as the chief guest, while Deputy Mayor Muna Adhikari was the special guest. The programme was also attended by municipal representatives, heritage conservationists, photojournalists, journalists, local intellectuals and social workers.
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Addressing the gathering, Mayor Maharjan said Nepal's historical and cultural heritage is a priceless asset for future generations and that its preservation is a shared responsibility of local governments, civil society, the media and citizens. He said Godawari Municipality has prioritised the conservation, restoration and promotion of historical, religious and cultural heritage through various programmes.
Deputy Mayor Adhikari said the media has a vital role in raising public awareness about heritage conservation and expressed confidence that such heritage walks help strengthen people's sense of ownership toward local heritage.
She said journalists can make a significant contribution by promoting local heritage nationally and internationally. Adhikari also noted that, as Godawari Municipality is still relatively new, greater financial support from the state would enable it to carry out more conservation and development work.
Heritage experts and local residents guided participants through Devichaur, explaining the site's historical significance, religious value and the growing threats it faces. Journalists documented the visit through photographs, videos and on-site reporting, with plans to expand coverage of heritage conservation in future reports and documentaries.
More than 100 journalists took part in the programme. The Editors' Society Nepal has previously held similar heritage walks in Shivapuri, Nuwakot, and Gufadanda, Sindhupalchok. Participants said protecting Nepal's historic sites will require sustained cooperation among government bodies, local communities, conservation agencies and the media.
